2012Seals III - Sheetlets

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large pinniped with distribution in the Arctic and sub-Arctic seas. Adult males reach a length of approx. 3 meters and weigh 800-1000 kg. The females are smaller. The most prominent feature of the walrus is its long tusks which can reach a length of 100 cm. The walrus occasionally catches fish but it grazes mainly along the sea bottom. Its only natural enemies are humans, killer whales and polar bears. Walrus can reach an age of around 50 years. In current times they are rare around Icelandic coasts but were much more frequent up until the 19th century. The hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) is an arctic pinniped found in the North Atlantic and the North Arctic. It is similar in size to the grey seal. Adult males can reach a length of 3 meters and weigh 300-400 kg. The female is smaller. The fur is greyish while the head is quite dark. The hooded seal is characterized by a bladder on the head of the adult male which can be inflated like a large balloon-like sac. It feeds mainly on fish, such as cod, redfish and shrimp, diving up to 600 meters after food. The hooded seal can live to about age 30 to 35. It is common in Icelandic waters and is most often seen far from the coast.